Nestled beside the offices of a prominent car manufacturer in the southern region of England, a remarkable sight unfolds. Over 2,000 solar panels adorn the landscape, collectively harnessing the sun's energy with a staggering peak capacity of nearly 1 megawatt (MW). This awe-inspiring solar array not only powers progress but also propels the car manufacturer's commitment to sustainability to new heights. [1]

Figure 1. Car park solar array.

Figure 1 shows the biggest car park solar array in the UK is at the Bentley factory in Crewe. Solar car parks are gaining recognition globally, with recent legislation in France mandating solar panel coverage for car parks with 80 or more spaces. While the UK lacks a similar requirement, the adoption of solar car parks is on the rise as businesses strive to lower energy expenses over time and enhance their reliance on renewable energy sources. [1]

A recent report by the countryside charity CPRE and the UCL Energy Institute unveils an incredible opportunity to transform car parks across the UK into thriving solar farms. Professor Mark Barrett from UCL proposes that car parks alone have the potential to contribute a significant 11 gigawatts (GW) to the country's solar capacity. Remarkably, this estimate accounts for conservative assumptions, suggesting that the actual potential may be even greater. With an estimated solar capacity of 117 GW in the built environment, this revelation highlights the immense role car parks can play in driving the UK's renewable energy revolution. [1]

The undeniable surge of interest in solar car parks is permeating across diverse sectors. Businesses spanning hotels, hospitals, leisure centers, and more are actively exploring the installation of solar canopies within their expansive parking lots. [1]

Steel structure design and construction companies like SIG and Veolia are witnessing a remarkable upswing in demand for solar infrastructure solutions. The surge in interest has prompted an exponential increase in inquiries for these companies, reflecting a growing market trend towards solar integration. Solarsense, another prominent player in the field, has also experienced a substantial uptick in inquiries over the past few months, highlighting the widespread recognition and adoption of solar technologies in various industries. [1]

References:

1. https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/powering-the-future-how-car-parks-are-transforming-into-solar-energy-hubs

Cite this article:

Hana M (2023), Solar-Powered Car Park Revolutionizes Energy Efficiency!, AnaTechmaz, pp.206